neat·en \ˈnētən\transitive verb (neatened ; neatened ; neatening \-t(ə)niŋ\ ; neatens) Etymology:neat (II) + -en 1.: to set in order : make neat < neatening the books in a low bookcase — E.B.White > 2.: to finish (as a piece of sewing) carefully < oversewing edges to neaten them >